Heat, drought help some pests succeed

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Heat and drought can create a heyday for plant-feeding insects and mites.

First, more pests survive, according to Raymond Cloyd, K-State Research and Extension entomologist. Fungi are an important natural control for many insects. But, fungi function best in cool, moist weather.

The two-spotted spider mite is well-known for increasing populations during drought conditions. But, its population explosions are just part of the problem, he said. Warm-loving mites also tend to feed more when summer weather is at its worst. For them, dry air makes eating easier.

That kind of weather also defeats most plants’ ability to absorb and circulate enough water for good health, Cloyd added. So, when mites or insects eat plant fluids for dinner, they get concentrated nutrients – super food.